Jeep Gas Tank Fires; Chrysler Whistleblower Speaks Out

The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

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WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) —  Paul Sheridan spent 10 years at Chrysler, his last as a Product Planning Manager, heading up safety leadership for the company.

Chrysler fired, then sued Sheridan, alleging he gave away confidential company information. Sheridan countered with a whistleblower lawsuit that claimed he was demoted, and then fired for speaking out about safety issues.

The court dismissed Sheridan’s suit, and Chrysler dropped its suit against him. Now, Sheridan works as a paid consultant in the industry and has shifted his sights to the safety of the 1993 to 2004 model Jeep Grand Cherokees.

“Folks don’t understand that their fuel tank is hanging out behind the axle below the bumper. They don’t know they’re at risk when they drive down the road with their family members in this vehicle,” says Sheridan.

A risk, safety advocates say occurs more often in the Grand Cherokee because of where the gas tank is positioned – behind the rear axle.

The non profit Center for Auto Safety first brought the issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA back in 2009. The Center used the government’s database to track fatal fire crashes linked to 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees.

 

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